Criminal Defense
As an accused, you want the best criminal defense lawyer you can get. Someone who knows the law inside out. An attorney who will stand up for your rights. And someone who will fight tirelessly to get you the best possible outcome in your case. While all criminal lawyers are qualified to provide basic legal representation, not all of them have the experience or expertise to handle more serious cases. So how do you find the right criminal defense lawyer for you?
What are DUI/DWI Laws?
Every state has laws that make it a crime for motorists to operate a vehicle while impaired. This includes alcohol, drugs (both prescription and illegal), and any other substance that may impair your ability to drive safely. The offense may be called DUI, DWI, OUI, or a similar term, depending on the state. Upon conviction of a DUI, most defendants will face some sort of criminal sentence and have their driver’s license suspended. Your lawyer may be able to help you get your driving privileges back with restrictions, like using an ignition interlock device or receiving limited permission to drive to and from work.
How to choose a
Personal Injury Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in an accident, filing for a personal injury lawsuit will be your first thought. Before you do, however, it is important to find the right lawyer to represent you. The process of finding and hiring a personal injury lawyer can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. When you are looking for a personal injury lawyer in South Florida, it is important to keep the following things in mind:
Types of cases criminal
defense lawyers can help with
There are many different types of criminal cases that a criminal defense lawyer in South Florida can help with. Some of the most common cases that these lawyers deal with are DUI cases, drug possession cases, and theft cases. However, there are many other types of criminal cases that they can help with as well. Some of the other types of criminal cases that a criminal defense lawyer can help with include assault cases, homicide cases, and white-collar crime cases. If you are facing any type of criminal charge, it is important to consult with a lawyer who can advise you on the best way to proceed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
After someone gets arrested, they are usually brought into a police station where they are booked. At this point, police will gather personal, historical, and biographical information to determine if the suspect has any criminal record. Immediately, you should contact your family and your attorney.
Under the US constitution, as well as under Federal and State laws, you are not required to speak to the authorities if arrested. it is advised you do not speak with any police officer prior to hiring an attorney. You have the right to remain silent, as well as the right to a lawyer. You may provide necessary information about your identity, but you are not required to share any more information. Ideally, you’d want to talk to your attorney as soon as possible and speak to the authorities only when your attorney is present.
An arraignment refers to the initial proceeding before a court for a criminal charge. Generally, the court will announce the charges that have been filed against the defendant. The arraignment occurs after the police have filed a criminal complaint, which occurs after an individual is arrested. The defendant will enter a plea or oftentimes the court will enter a plea of not guilty on the defendant’s behalf.
A misdemeanor is generally a less serious criminal offense. Under federal law a misdemeanor is a crime punishable by less than one year in prison. A felony is punishable by one or more years in prison. Regardless of what type of criminal charges you are facing, it is still imperative you hire a lawyer to ensure your rights are protected.
A dismissal can occur when a prosecutor drops your case. This can happen after the assistant district attorney reviews your case and decides the evidence against you isn't strong enough or your case is not worth prosecution. In certain situations, a dismissal can be given if you perform community service or attend specific classes.
An expungement is when your case is erased. The court records relating to your case are destroyed and you can truthfully state on job and loan applications that you have never been convicted of a criminal charge. Expungements are hard to obtain, however, so if you wish to learn if an expungement is available for your past criminal conviction, you will need to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney.
In reality, most criminal cases don’t reach the trial phase. Depending on your case and your attorney, you may have to go to trial. When charges are filed against you and a verdict cannot be reached prior to going to trial, you must go to court. To avoid trial, however, your lawyer may be able to convince the prosecution your case is not worth prosecuting or may be able to prove your charges were not filed on legal grounds.
Regardless of what you plan on pleading, it is vital you hire a criminal defense lawyer to protect your rights. Representing yourself in court is never a good idea, as the prosecution seeks to bring the harshest penalties possible in criminal cases. An attorney can help you obtain a lighter sentence, or minimize / completely eliminate your criminal charges, if possible.
You should expect that your criminal defense attorney has the knowledge of the law and experience defending the type of charges you are facing as well as experience in the court where the charges were filed, and that he/she is a skilled litigator and negotiator. Expect your lawyer to follow a strict attorney-client relationship that guarantees your information remains confidential. Also, your criminal defense lawyer should be able to explain potential scenarios, evaluate your options, and provide you with a realistic risk assessment. Lastly, your attorney must be creative and resourceful, as he or she should be able to come up with a solution to your case.
Public defenders have extensive experience with the criminal justice system. But, they’re often completely overwhelmed with an overflowing caseload that makes it hard for them to give your case the attention it deserves.
They may try to get you to accept a plea deal – not because it’s in your best interest – but because they simply don’t have time to work on your case, much less prepare it for trial. And, public defenders don’t have the same resources to investigate your case as private firms.
Bail is the money deposited with the court that secures your release from jail. Bail is set to assure the accused will be present for future court appearances. On some occasions, you may be released by requesting an O.R. release or a release on your recognizance. Under an O.R. release, you promise that you will appear for any future court proceedings. A judge will determine the conditions for your release and be the one to grant an O.R. release.
How to find the right criminal lawyer in South Florida?
When someone is charged with a crime, the first thing they usually do is panic. This is when they need to start thinking about hiring a criminal lawyer. The problem is that there are so many criminal lawyers in South Florida, how can you find the right one for you? The first step is to do some research. Look for lawyers who specialize in the type of crime you have been charged with. Here at Lawyer Connection, we tend to provide the best criminal defense lawyers in South Florida.